Functional shoe article

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a article of footwear capable of improving shock absorption and rebound resilience characteristics and stability during walking or running. The article of footwear comprises a midsole member and a side reinforcement member supporting the lateral side of the midsole member against the ground. The side reinforcement member has a resilient curved portion integrally formed therewith for resiliently supporting the lateral side of the midsole member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a shoe article and, more particularly, to a article of footwear capable of improving shock absorption and rebound resilience characteristics and stability.

BACKGROUND ART

A shoe has been generally developed to protect a wearer's foot, but as quality of life has improved in recent years, perception of the shoe is being considerably changed.

Compared to the past in which people played various sports with only a pair of sneakers, functional shoes specialized for various purposes according to user's needs, such as walking, running, hiking, football, tennis, baseball, golf, etc., are recently being developed.

In general, a shoe includes an upper part for protecting a top of the foot and a joint, and a sole part for protecting a sole of the foot. During walking or running, because shock may be transmitted to a body through the sole part and a wearer may easily become fatigued when the sole part is heavy, the sole part should have a structure satisfying both shock absorption and light weight.

Accordingly, various studies on a sole part capable of minimizing shock transmission to the body during walking or running, improving physical energy efficiency during walking and realizing light weight are being carried out, however, better performance is urgently required.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

It is an object of the present invention to provide a article of footwear capable of minimizing shock transmission to the body during walking or running and improving stability.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a article of footwear capable of evenly dispersing a wearer's weight and improving shock absorption and dispersion characteristics and rebound resilience characteristics.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a article of footwear capable of realizing light weight and simplifying a structure and manufacturing processes.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a article of footwear capable of giving superior wearing sensation and minimizing foot fatigue by improving physical energy efficiency even when worn for a long time.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a article of footwear including a midsole member and a side reinforcement member configured to support a lateral side of the midsole member against the ground. The side reinforcement member has a resilient curved portion formed integrally therewith and configured to resiliently support the lateral side of the midsole member.

The midsole member may be diversely structured according to required conditions and design specifications. For example, the midsole member may be embodied by a single sole made of a single material. Alternatively, the midsole member may be embodied by a plurality of soles made of the same or different materials.

The shape and structure of a side recess formed at the lateral side of the midsole member may be diversely changed according to required conditions and design specifications. For example, a substantially V-shaped side recess may be continuously formed along both side surfaces of the midsole member. Alternatively, the side recess may be formed in other shapes such as a C or U shape and, further alternatively, a plurality of side recesses may be formed to be spaced a predetermined gap apart from each other.

The side reinforcement member may be made of a highly resilient material having a higher strength and resilience than the midsole member, however, the present invention is not restricted or limited to the material and features of the side reinforcement member. For example, the side reinforcement member may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

The resilient curved portion may be formed to have diverse structures capable of being resiliently deformed and absorbing shock when a load is applied to the side reinforcement member. For example, the resilient curved portion may be formed by partially bending a portion of the side reinforcement member. Alternatively, the resilient curved portion may be manufactured separately from the side reinforcement member and adhered or coupled to the side reinforcement member.

More particularly, the resilient curved portion may be formed in a zigzag (or wave) pattern having concave portions and convex portions. Alternatively, the resilient curved portion may be formed only by the concave portions or the convex portions and, further alternatively, the concave portions or the convex portions may be arranged apart from each other.

The structure of the side reinforcement member including the resilient curved portion may be changed diversely according to required conditions and design specifications. For example, the side reinforcement member may include an upper reinforcement portion having an upper end secured to the midsole member and a lower end becoming a free end, and a lower reinforcement portion having a lower end secured to the midsole member and an upper end becoming a free end. The resilient curved portion may integrally connect the lower end of the upper reinforcement portion and the upper end of the lower reinforcement portion.

Further, the side reinforcement member may cover the side recess while being disposed apart from the side recess, thereby creating a shock-absorbing space between the side surface of the midsole member and the side reinforcement member. Herein, the shock-absorbing space may be regarded as a kind of air chamber or air passage capable of absorbing shock between the side surface of the midsole member and the side reinforcement member. For example, the side reinforcement member may be continuously formed along the lateral side of the midsole member, and a sealed shock-absorbing space may be formed between the lateral side of the midsole member and the side reinforcement member. Alternatively, the side reinforcement member may be provided in plural, which are spaced apart from each other along the lateral side of the midsole member, and an opened shock-absorbing space may be formed between the lateral side of the midsole member and each of the side reinforcement members.

The side reinforcement member may be made of a light-transmitting material, and a base color displayed outside the side reinforcement member may be decided by the midsole member. Herein, the light-transmitting material may also include a somewhat non-transparent material if not block light transmission.

Further, the midsole member may be formed with a dent for light weight. For example, the dent may be formed on at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the midsole member. Further, the midsole member may have a through-hole formed through the midsole member in a transverse direction so as to communicate with the side recess. Further, the midsole member may have a reinforcement core accommodated in the midsole member and made of a material having higher resilience than the material of the midsole member. For example, a plurality of reinforcement cores may be arranged along a trace of centers of pressure exerted on the midsole member.

An outsole member may be provided beneath the midsole member, and the side reinforcement member may support the midsole member to be spaced apart from the outsole member. In addition, the side reinforcement member may include a bottom portion, and an outer surface of the bottom portion may be secured to a top surface of the outsole member.

Advantageous Effects

According to the article of footwear of the present invention, shock absorption and dispersion characteristics capable of minimizing shock transmission to a body during walking or running can be improved, and stability can also be enhanced.

Especially, according to the present invention, by virtue of the side reinforcement member supporting the lateral side of the midsole member against the ground and the resilient curved portion formed at the side reinforcement member to resiliently support the lateral side of the midsole member, the lateral side of the midsole member can be effectively supported during walking or running. In other words, when load (shock) is applied to the midsole member, since the lateral side of the midsole member is resiliently supported by the resilient curved portion formed at the side reinforcement member, stability in balanced walking or running motion can be enhanced and distortion can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, when load (shock) is applied to the midsole member, shock transmitted to the side reinforcement member can be effectively absorbed and dispersed. In other words, when load (shock) is applied to the side reinforcement member, the resilient curved portion is resiliently deformed and can effectively absorb and disperse the shock. In addition, according to the present invention, when load is applied, since the side reinforcement member can be resiliently deformed as a whole at the same time as the resilient curved portion is resiliently deformed, the shock can be more effectively absorbed. Further, since the side reinforcement member can be resiliently restored, rebound resilience characteristics for saving energy for the next motion can be maximized. In other words, propulsive force (rebound resilient force) at takeoff during walking or running can be increased.

Further, according to the present invention, by virtue of the shock-absorbing space provided along the lateral side of the midsole member, stability in balanced walking or running motion can be enhanced and distortion can be prevented. In other words, since the shock-absorbing space serving as a kind of air chamber or air passage is provided along both side surfaces of the midsole member, stability in balanced walking or running motion can be enhanced and distortion can be prevented. Further, the shock can be evenly dispersed and absorbed through the shock-absorbing space.

Further, according to the present invention, since the side reinforcement member can support the lateral side of the midsole member, a wearer's foot can be supported more comfortably and stably, thereby improving wearing sensation and stability, and fatigue of the foot can be minimized by improving physical energy efficiency even when worn for a long time.

Further, according to the present invention, since load applied from the upper part is not directed downward but is spread and dispersed through the side reinforcement member, load (shock) dispersion characteristics can be maximized. In other words, load applied from the upper part can be dispersed to the ground through the side reinforcement member provided along the lateral side of the midsole member.

Further, according to the present invention, since the side recess formed at the lateral side of the midsole member is covered by the side reinforcement member, superior appearance can be created, design characteristics can be improved, and commercial value can be raised. In addition, since the side reinforcement member can be made of a light-transmitting material and a base color displayed outside the side reinforcement member is decided by the midsole member, a variety of design characteristics can be created.

Further, according to the present invention, light weight of the product can be realized by forming the side recess along the lateral side of the midsole member. Further, according to the present invention, the side recess formed at the lateral side of the midsole member can impart flexibility, and the side reinforcement member covering the side recess can impart adequate rigidity.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a article of footwear according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 to 8 are views illustrating a article of footwear according to other embodiments of the present invention.

BEST MODE

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings, however, the preferred embodiments are not intended to represent all aspects of the invention. In the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings. In the following description, detailed descriptions of functions and configurations incorporated herein that are repeated or well known to those skilled in the art may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a article of footwear according to the present invention includes a midsole member 100 and a side reinforcement member 200.

The midsole member 100 may be diversely structured according to required conditions and design specifications. For example, the midsole member 100 may be embodied by a single sole made of a single material. Alternatively, the midsole member may be embodied by a plurality of soles made of the same or different materials. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the midsole member 100 includes an upper midsole and a lower midsole which are made of different materials will be explained.

The midsole member 100 may be formed by a typical foaming process using commonly used rubber, synthetic resin or the like. For example, the midsole member 100 may be made of ethylene vinyl acetate foam (PHYLON), however, the present invention is not restricted or limited to the above shape and structure of the midsole member 100. Alternatively, the midsole member may be made of a non-foam material or other materials.

The midsole member 100 has a side recess 110 formed at the lateral side thereof. The shape and structure of the side recess 110 may be diversely changed according to required conditions and design specifications. For example, a substantially V-shaped concave side recess 110 may be formed at both side surfaces of the midsole member 100, and such a side recess 110 may be continuously formed along the lateral side of the midsole member 100. Alternatively, the side recess may be formed in other shapes such as a C or U shape and, further alternatively, a plurality of side recesses may be formed along the lateral side of the midsole member while being spaced a predetermined gap apart from each other.

The side reinforcement member 200 functions to support the lateral side of the midsole member 100. The side reinforcement member 200 has a resilient curved portion 230 formed integrally therewith and configured to resiliently support the lateral side of the midsole member when a load is applied to the midsole member.

The side reinforcement member 200 may be made of a highly resilient material having a higher strength and resilience than the midsole member 100, however, the present invention is not restricted or limited to the above material and features of the side reinforcement member 200. For example, the side reinforcement member 200 may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

The resilient curved portion 230 may be formed to have diverse structures capable of being resiliently deformed and absorbing shock when a load is applied to the side reinforcement member 200. For example, the resilient curved portion 230 may be formed by partially bending a portion of the side reinforcement member 200. Alternatively, the resilient curved portion may be manufactured separately from the side reinforcement member and adhered or coupled to the side reinforcement member.

More particularly, the resilient curved portion 230 may be formed in a zigzag (or wave) pattern having concave portions 234 and/or convex portions 232. Hereinafter, the resilient curved portion 230 including the concave portions 234 and the convex portions 232 which are consecutively connected and alternately arranged in a zigzag pattern will be explained. Alternatively, the resilient curved portion may be formed only by the concave portions or the convex portions and, further alternatively, the concave portions or the convex portions may be arranged apart from each other.

The structure of the side reinforcement member 200 including the aforementioned resilient curved portion 230 may be changed diversely according to required conditions and design specifications. For example, the side reinforcement member 200 may be formed to include an upper reinforcement portion 210 and a lower reinforcement portion 220, and the resilient curved portion 230 may function to integrally connect the upper reinforcement portion 210 and the lower reinforcement portion 220.

The upper end of the upper reinforcement portion 210 is secured to the midsole member 100, and the lower end of the upper reinforcement portion 210 becomes a free end. The lower end of the lower reinforcement portion 220 is secured to the midsole member 100, and the upper end of the lower reinforcement portion 220 becomes a free end. The resilient curved portion 230 disposed between the upper reinforcement portion 210 and the lower reinforcement portion 220 integrally connects the lower end of the upper reinforcement portion 210 and the upper end of the lower reinforcement portion 220.

More particularly, the resilient curved portion 230 may be disposed closer to the side recess 110 than the upper reinforcement portion 210 and the lower reinforcement portion 220, and the side reinforcement member 200 including the upper reinforcement portion 210, the resilient curved portion 230 and the lower reinforcement portion 220 may be formed to have a substantially concave V-shaped section.

Further, the side reinforcement member 200 covers the side recess 110 while being disposed apart from the side recess 110, thereby creating a shock-absorbing space 400 between the lateral side of the midsole member 100 and the side reinforcement member 200. Herein, the shock-absorbing space 400 may be regarded as a kind of air chamber or air passage capable of absorbing shock between the lateral side of the midsole member 100 and the side reinforcement member 200.

For example, the side reinforcement member 200 may be continuously formed along the lateral side of the midsole member 100 so as to cover the whole area of the side recess 110, and the sealed shock-absorbing space 400 may be formed along the lateral side of the midsole member 100 between the lateral side of the midsole member 100 and the side reinforcement member 200.

The side reinforcement member 200 may be made of a light-transmitting material, and a base color displayed outside the side reinforcement member 200 may be decided by the midsole member 100. In other words, since the side reinforcement member 200 is made of a light-transmitting material and the midsole member 100 disposed inside the side reinforcement member 200 is made of a colored material, a base color displayed outside the side reinforcement member 200 is actually decided by the midsole member 100 but not by the side reinforcement member 200. Herein, the light-transmitting material may also include a somewhat non-transparent material if not block light transmission.

An outsole member 300 may be provided beneath the midsole member 100. The outsole member 300 may be diversely structured according to required conditions and design specifications. For example, the outsole member 300 may be made of a commonly used rubber material capable of minimizing slip. Alternatively, the outsole member may be embodied by a plurality of soles made of different materials.

According to the present invention as described above, since the side reinforcement member 200 having the resilient curved portion 230 may be provided along the lateral side of the midsole member 100, shock may be evenly dispersed and absorbed through the side reinforcement member 200. Especially, shock transmitted to the side reinforcement member 200 may be effectively absorbed by the resilient curved portion 230. Further, since the side reinforcement member 200 can be resiliently restored, rebound resilience characteristics (propulsive force) for saving energy for the next motion may be maximized. Further, since the shock-absorbing space 400 can be provided between the side reinforcement member 200 and the midsole member 100, stability in balanced walking or running motion may be enhanced and distortion may be prevented.

In addition, since the side reinforcement member 200 may be formed to partially cover the upper part of the shoe, a wearer's foot may be supported more comfortably and stably, thereby improving wearing sensation and stability.

Further, since the side reinforcement member 200 imparts rigidity to adequately restrain excessive compressive deformation of the midsole member 100 during walking, flexibility of the midsole member 100 may be adjusted and accordingly propelled round walking may be achieved more stably. In addition, since the side reinforcement member 200 also has a shock-absorbing function during walking, feeling of landing may be improved and foot fatigue may be relieved by evenly dispersing a wearer's weight. Herein, the propelled round walking refers to natural and efficient walking with shock absorption like a sphere rolls on the ground.

FIGS. 3 to 8 are views illustrating a article of footwear according to other embodiments of the present invention. The same or equivalent elements as those mentioned above are referred to with the same or equivalent reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 3, a article of footwear according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a midsole member 100 and a side reinforcement member 200, and may further include a dent 120 formed on at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the midsole member 100. Hereinafter, the midsole member 100 having the dents 120 formed on both the top and bottom surfaces thereof will be explained. As such, since the midsole member 100 can be formed with the dents 120, the shoe article may be reduced in weight. As shown in FIG. 3, different from the aforementioned embodiment, a resilient curved portion 230′ may be formed such that arc-shaped concave portions 234′ and convex portions 232′ are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

Referring to FIG. 4, a article of footwear according to a further embodiment of the present invention includes a midsole member 100 and a side reinforcement member 200, and may further include a through-hole 130 formed through the midsole member 100 in a transverse direction so as to communicate with a side recess 110.

The through-hole 130 formed through the midsole member 100 in a transverse direction may provide an air passage communicating with a shock-absorbing space 400 inside the midsole member 100. Alternatively, the through-hole may be formed such that one end is opened and the other end is closed and, further alternatively, the through-hole may be formed such that one end (or the other end) is partially opened. As shown in FIG. 4, different from the aforementioned embodiments, a resilient curved portion 230 may be embodied by only one convex portion 232 (or concave portion).

Referring to FIG. 5, a article of footwear according to a still further embodiment of the present invention includes a midsole member 100 and a side reinforcement member 200, and may further include a reinforcement core 140 accommodated in the midsole member 100. The reinforcement core 140 may be made of a material having higher resilience than the material of the midsole member 100. The reinforcement core 140 may have diverse structures, for example, a hollow structure, a solid structure or the like, according to required conditions and design specifications. For example, the reinforcement core 140 may be disposed in the aforementioned through-hole 130. Alternatively, the reinforcement core may be disposed at other regions in the midsole member.

Preferably, a plurality of reinforcement cores 140 may be arranged along a trace of centers of pressure exerted on the midsole member 100. Referring to FIG. 5, in general, the trace of centers of pressure exerted on the midsole member 100 during walking starts from a side rear portion of the heel, moves substantially linearly along an outer portion of a midline while passing through the mid-foot, and ends at an inner portion of the foot with remarkable pressure concentration on the metatarsal break. In other words, the trace of centers of pressure exerted on the midsole member 100 may be formed in a substantially S-shaped pattern (P1→P2→P3→P4→P5) from the heel to the big toe via the metatarsal. The reinforcement cores 140 may be arranged corresponding to such a trace of pressure, and the respective reinforcement cores 140 may have independent action (resilient deformation) corresponding to change in load. Further, according to a magnitude of load applied to the respective reinforcement cores 140, the degree of action of the respective reinforcement cores 140 may become different.

In the above-described and illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the side reinforcement member including the resilient curved portion is formed to be bent (for example, V shaped), however, as shown in FIG. 6, a side reinforcement member 220′ including a resilient curved portion 230 may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape (or substantially straight-line sectional shape).

Referring to FIG. 7, a article of footwear according to a still further embodiment of the present invention includes a midsole member 100′, a side reinforcement member 200″ and an outsole member 300, and the side reinforcement member 200″ may support the midsole member 100′ to be spaced apart from the outsole member 300. In other words, the midsole member 100′ may be resiliently supported to be spaced apart from the outsole member 300 by the side reinforcement member 200″, and a predetermined space may be provided between the midsole member 100′ and the outsole member 300.

In addition, referring to FIG. 7, the side reinforcement member 200″ may include a bottom portion 240″, and an outer surface of the bottom portion 240″ may be secured to a top surface of the outsole member 300. In other words, the bottom portion 240″ may be integrally extended from a lower end of the side reinforcement member 200″ so as to oppose the top surface of the outsole member 300, and the outer surface (bottom surface) of the bottom portion 240″ is closely secured to the top surface of the outsole member 300, thereby securing the side reinforcement member 200″ and the outsole member 300.

Although it has been described in this embodiment of the present invention that the side reinforcement member is secured by means of the bottom portion, it is also possible to directly secure the lower end of the side reinforcement member to the outsole member without an additional bottom portion. Further alternatively, an additional midsole may be provided on the outsole member while being spaced apart from the midsole member, and an inner surface of a lower reinforcement portion of the side reinforcement member may be secured to the additional midsole.

On the other hand, in the above-described and illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the side reinforcement member is continuously formed along the lateral side of the midsole member, however, a plurality of side reinforcement members may be arranged apart from each other along the lateral side of the midsole member.

In other words, referring to FIG. 8, a article of footwear according to a still further embodiment of the present invention includes a midsole member 100 and a plurality of side reinforcement members 1200, and the side reinforcement members 1200 may be spaced a predetermined gap apart from each other along the lateral side of the midsole member 100. The number of the side reinforcement members 1200 and the gap therebetween may be adequately changed according to required conditions and design specifications, and each of the side reinforcement members 1200 may include a resilient curved portion 1230. In addition, an opened shock-absorbing space may be provided between the lateral side of the midsole member 100 and each of the side reinforcement members 1200.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A article of footwear comprising: a midsole member; and a side reinforcement member configured to support a lateral side of the midsole member against the ground, wherein the side reinforcement member has a resilient curved portion formed integrally therewith to resiliently support the lateral side of the midsole member.
 2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the resilient curved portion is formed by partially bending a portion of the side reinforcement member.
 3. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the resilient curved portion includes concave portions and convex portions arranged in a zigzag pattern.
 4. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the side reinforcement member includes: an upper reinforcement portion having an upper end secured to the midsole member and a lower end becoming a free end; and a lower reinforcement portion having a lower end secured to the midsole member and an upper end becoming a free end, wherein the resilient curved portion integrally connects the lower end of the upper reinforcement portion and the upper end of the lower reinforcement portion.
 5. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the midsole member has a side recess formed at the lateral side thereof, and the side reinforcement member covers the side recess while being disposed apart from the side recess.
 6. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the side reinforcement member is continuously formed along the lateral side of the midsole member, and the lateral side of the midsole member and the side reinforcement member create a sealed shock-absorbing space therebetween.
 7. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the side reinforcement member is provided in plural, the side reinforcement members being spaced apart from each other along the lateral side of the midsole member, and the lateral side of the midsole member and each of the side reinforcement members create an opened shock-absorbing space therebetween.
 8. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the midsole member has a through-hole formed therethrough in a transverse direction so as to communicate with the side recess.
 9. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the midsole member has a dent formed on at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface thereof.
 10. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising: a reinforcement core made of a material having higher resilience than the midsole member and accommodated in the midsole member.
 11. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the side reinforcement member is made of a light-transmitting material.
 12. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising: an outsole member provided beneath the midsole member, wherein the side reinforcement member supports the midsole member to be spaced apart from the outsole member.
 13. The article of footwear according to claim 12, wherein the side reinforcement member further includes a bottom portion, and the bottom portion has an outer surface secured to a top surface of the outsole member. 